Hereditary Leadership

Klemtu is a unique place where two separate nations, the Kitasoo and Xai’xais came together in the late 1800’s and live together today. Since then, and for thousands of years before, we have cared for our traditional territory that extends to the north, south, east and west.

Our governance structure and indigenous laws predate European contact and remain at the core of how we steward our lands and waters. Alongside an elected Chief and Council our hereditary chiefs draw on traditional knowledge to guide governance decisions and are personally responsible for specific areas within Kitasoo/Xai’xais territory.